2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour is composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot and was aged in 95% French oak, 68% new, for 21 months. Deep garnet-brick colored, it rocks up with loads of baked cherries and dried blackberries notions plus hints of prunes, balsamic, tilled soil, old leather, charcuterie and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with savory fruit, framed by chewy tannins, finishing with a lingering herbal lift.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full red-ruby. Very ripe, inviting scents of currant, plum, graphite, cedar, tobacco and mocha, plus a faintly leafy, peppery quality and a hint of menthol. Very ripe, broad and sweet; fairly full in the mouth but juicy more than velvety. The plum and darker fruit flavors convey an earthy, loamy warmth as well as intriguing menthol, pepper and lavender nuances. Finishes with substantial broad, tongue-furring tannins and excellent length. I find a clearer Rutherford expression here than in the more extreme 2005. (This bottle, by the way, was much fresher than the one that was part of the vertical tasting; I opened this one in early April.) (14.7% alcohol; 3.87 pH; 5.7 g/l acidity; aged for 21 months in 95% French oak, 68% new)
(14.2% alcohol): Full red-ruby. Sexy claret-like aromas of plum, redcurrant, leather and game complicated by mocha, roasted coffee and leather; a lively violet element emerged with aeration. Suave on entry, then supple, ripe, concentrated and quite dry in the middle, with the subdued dark fruit, leather and coffee flavors joined by a minty nuance. Finishes with building granular tannins and noteworthy persistence. Initially rather uncompromising, this distinctly adult-style Cabernet gained in sweetness as it opened in the glass. Still plenty to come.
Balances savoury herbs, cedar and earthy loam with plump, ripe black fruit and cassis. Fine complexity, integrated tannins and a succulent finish. Not at all showy, it earns its mark through finesse and great balance. (LM)
About the producer
Beaulieu Vineyard remains one of the most historically important wineries in Napa Valley. It is it one of the longest continuous running wineries in the region, as one of the few that kept operating throughout Prohibition.